Are you an American based in Guam or Saipan? Well we’ve got some great news for you: Hong Kong Express (UO) are starting new flights to the territories from December 16 onward, just in time for the Christmas rush.

This releases United’s (what was formerly Continental Micronesia) stranglehold on the route and have already driven prices down – way down.

Introductory prices are starting at $110 all inclusive, round trip. That’s not bad. Not bad at all.

For those who are unfamiliar with this small(ish) low cost carrier based out of HKG:

The airline has a good safety record and is part of several regional alliances with other Asian airlines such as Korea’s Lucky Air, Vietnam’s East Star Jet and China’s Urumqi Air and West Air. All secondary low cost carriers, mind you – but good to keep in mind.

Hong Kong Express will be sending their A320 to both Guam and Saipan

The new flight will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A320 and will be about 3 hours long.

The schedule will look like this for the Saipan flights, operating 3x weekly:

HKG-Saipan
UO42 21:30-04:25+1 Tue/Thu/Sun

Saipan-HKG
UO43 01:40-05:00 Mon/Thu/Sun

Guam will be introduced as a 4x weekly flight, also on the A320 and will be:

A welcome addition for folks in these American territories as fares can get inflated to Asia with United basically controlling the market with carriers such as Philippine Airlines playing bit part roles in it all – let’s see how this endeavor goes!